Ikigai—The Japanese Secret to a Fulfilling Life
Have you ever felt stuck, wondering if what you’re doing truly fulfills you? In Japan, the concept of Ikigai (生き甲斐) is the key to a life filled with joy, purpose, and meaning.
For years, I worked in corporate America, chasing stability. But deep down, something felt off. I wanted more—more creativity, more freedom, and more fulfillment. That’s when I discovered Ikigai.
I first heard about Ikigai from Chris Do of The Futur, and it completely shifted my mindset. I started to look inward, questioning what truly made me happy.
Finding your Ikigai isn’t easy. It took time, self-reflection, and small steps—but today, I’m living a life more aligned with what I love. And guess what? I’m still learning and evolving, enjoying the process every step of the way.
What is Ikigai? (The Four Pillars Explained)
At its core, Ikigai is the intersection of:
What you love (passion)
What you’re good at (profession)
What the world needs (mission)
What you can be paid for (vocation)
When these four areas align, you’ve found your Ikigai—the sweet spot where work feels meaningful and fulfilling.
How to Find Your Ikigai (Step-by-Step Guide)
Discovering your Ikigai isn’t about making big changes overnight—it’s about small steps toward alignment.
Step 1: Reflect on What Brings You Joy
Ask yourself: What excites me to wake up in the morning?
I came across a video by Lavendaire that helped me gain clarity on this. It emphasized the importance of discovering your “why”—your North Star—without worrying too much about the how or when. Once you find your why, everything else will start to fall into place.
Step 2: Identify Your Strengths
What are you naturally good at? (Design, writing, coaching?) Sometimes, we don’t realize our strengths until we reflect—or someone else points them out!
One of the best tests I’ve taken is Gallup CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder). It gives deep insights into your top talents and how to use them to align your career with your passions.
Take the Gallup StrengthsFinder test here: Gallup CliftonStrengths (Paid, but worth it!)
If you prefer a free option, try the High5 Test for a quick strengths assessment.
Tip: Once you know your strengths, think about how you can turn them into income—freelancing, coaching, or digital products!
Step 3: Find Ways to Get Paid for What You Love
Freelancing and building an online business are great ways to turn your passion into income!
One of my good friends has an amazing, soothing voice, and I encouraged her to try voice-over work. I always loved listening to her speak, and it reminded me of how my kids used to fall asleep to bedtime stories on the Moshi app.
She took my advice, created a Fiverr account, and started recording voice-overs. Over time, she built a steady side hustle and now earns great money doing what she loves. A perfect example of how monetizing your unique skills can lead to new opportunities!
Step 4: Align Your Work & Life Goals
Make small mindset shifts to bring more meaning to your everyday work. Practicing mindfulness can help you stay focused and present in the moment.
I know it’s easier said than done, but take it one step at a time—work toward finding alignment little by little each day. Don’t force it, don’t stress over it. Instead, embrace the process, because the journey itself is where all the excitement lies!
Books & Tools to Help You Find Your Ikigai
If you want to go deeper into Ikigai, here are some of my favorite books & resources:
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
The Courage to Be Disliked: The Japanese Phenomenon That Shows You How to Change Your Life and Achieve Real Happiness
What is YOUR Reason for Being? (Ikigai) by The Futur
Finding your Ikigai isn’t about making drastic changes—it’s about taking small, intentional steps toward a life that excites you. Whether it’s freelancing, creating, or simply carving out more time for what you love, you’re already on the right path—the fact that you’re here, reading this, means you’re seeking more for yourself.
Keep going, trust the process, and enjoy the journey!